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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
  • replies: 0

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for ... View more

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for coming this far, we know it can be really hard to take these steps if depression is in your life - we see you and think this is a great step. To get the most out of this space we have a few tips: Get involved. The Forums work best for you when you get active and post where you can. Now, we know that can be really hard, especially when you are experiencing depression. So, if you can post something supportive to someone else here, that would be an incredible start. Speak from the heart. This community wants to know how YOU feel and what has worked for YOU. We trust that you have something unique to say and we can’t wait to hear it. Check in. Lots of the discussions in this section of the Forums have been going for years and they are some of the richest conversations we have. Keep checking in to get new ideas and offer your support. We know it can be tough to start, but when you are ready we want to hear your thoughts. If you need some time to get to know the community, that's okay! Have a look around and see where you want to get involved. Thank you for being here! Beyond Blue

Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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Doolhof Struggling big time
  • replies: 12

I never did understand the "staying in bed all day, unable to do anything issue" but I do now! It seems to be all I want to do recently, that and cry, and feel really angry. I'm starting to really hate my husband too so that isn't helping much. Now I... View more

I never did understand the "staying in bed all day, unable to do anything issue" but I do now! It seems to be all I want to do recently, that and cry, and feel really angry. I'm starting to really hate my husband too so that isn't helping much. Now I am talking about wanting to leave him, he is telling me I have problems! I suggested that maybe if he took me away for a weekend instead of his beer drinking mates I might be a little happier with our relationship. He hasn't worked for nearly two years, just living off his payout, sitting in front of the t.v. and the computer all day. I am out working, keeping the house clean, looking after the garden and trying to fire proof our 5 acre property. I ask for help with the house work and he tells me that vacuuming hurts his back and he doesn't know how to mop! He told me off for buying $7.00 in postage stamps but he has just spent a week drinking and holidaying in Brisbane with some mates! Yesterday I was yelling and screaming abuse at a lady at a service station because she was buying up her groceries in the servo instead of paying for her fuel and moving her car first. I went into the servo yelling out like a lunatic as to who owned the car. I don't know what I would have done if it had been a huge biker looking dude! I probably still would have yelled abuse at him. This depression is a cruel and brutal illness. I've certainly had enough. Where is the OFF BUTTON, the ESCAPE ROUTE and the way out of this LIVING HELL? I don't know any more! I'm going to see my Dr again on Tuesday and dear hubby said he will come along as well. He thinks that pills are the only answer. That a tablet will fix everything. Medication does help, but so does TLC and a little attention form your husband. Why is he so damn blind to the fact that all I need is a little bit of his time and it will make a load of difference? Now I am hating him. I feel it is too late for our marriage. To stay or go is the next big question! I don't have the answer to anything right now. It is all too difficult. Mrs. Dools

gibby3794 does anyone else get bored?
  • replies: 18

im really bored with my routine... im unemployed and have no car so dont really leave the house all that often i get up in the morning have a coffee and smoke at about 10 i start cleaning the house finish that at about 12 depending how much needs doi... View more

im really bored with my routine... im unemployed and have no car so dont really leave the house all that often i get up in the morning have a coffee and smoke at about 10 i start cleaning the house finish that at about 12 depending how much needs doing then have lunch and watch a few shows until 3 when the 10 year old gets home from school make her a hot chocolate and some food if shes hungry, watch some more shows until about 6-630 have dinner go to the gym with a couple friends when i finish dinner and most nights we go fora drive to port or gong, then come back home watch some more shows until about midnight go to sleep and repeat all the next day... except for weekends where no cleaning or anything really gets done lol

ponde Do not know how this works, but need support!
  • replies: 4

It's very strange when you realise that you are actually really alone. You can be lucky enough to have friends and people and family around you, but really when it comes down to it, you are alone. Maybe it is because I don't have children of my own. ... View more

It's very strange when you realise that you are actually really alone. You can be lucky enough to have friends and people and family around you, but really when it comes down to it, you are alone. Maybe it is because I don't have children of my own. I think many people survive losing a partner , or separations because they have to keep going for their kids. I lost my husband to suicide. Lost my dad to cancer and now had a messy break up because I jumped in to needing a bloke too soon after being widowed. Stupid. I look back now and realise how stupid. But how vulnerable to doing it again. I am a bloody strong woman in so many ways, and so pathetic in others. I seriously am driving myself nuts. I chose not to have children. I am ok with that decision. But it does make me wonder what purpose I am on this earth for. Really, why am I here? I keep thinking I have something to offer, something to contribute to the world. Even braiding my nieces hair, and painting their nails is something worthwhile. Would anyone miss me if i was gone. Maybe for a few minutes, but, life would go on, and I too would be another blip in life. Friends say they will help, and they do the best they can. But when it comes down to it, it's all only up to me. To live or die. To get on with it or not. No one is going to come in here on a white horse and fix it all up for me. Gosh I wish they would. But basing that on my past history, they would be completely bonkers and ending up making my life worse. So why can't I just get up and get on with it? I am so disappointed with myself. Either get up and get on with it with confidence and vigour or give up. And even this self pitying drivel of my own is just not right, so many people are in terrible situations and much worse off than me. I didn't want to be my own pity party! beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

bobolk Just needed to vent
  • replies: 11

Hi all,I'm not sure what to say, I'm new here and I just need to get some things off my chest, events over the weekend have led me here. To start I have never been to a doctor regarding my mental health but i am sure that i suffer from depression and... View more

Hi all,I'm not sure what to say, I'm new here and I just need to get some things off my chest, events over the weekend have led me here. To start I have never been to a doctor regarding my mental health but i am sure that i suffer from depression and have done for most of my life. I was suicidal at a young age around 12 or 13 is my first memories of suicidal thoughts and a few attempts. I have been a severe alcoholic since i was about 16 and have been hospitalized on numerous occasions for alcohol related injuries and illness, most recently a severe head injury which is still giving me quite a lot of drama, with my memory, concentration and also is affecting my moods. I had stopped drinking in October last year but in November my long time girlfriend left me and since then I have had alot of trouble staying sober and have gone on several big benders all of which have resulted in either attempted suicides or trips to the er or the police station. Most recently on the weekend i fell off the wagon again and when i drink the dark side of me gets the better of me. After a rather viscous hangover i have decided I'm am going to seek professional help for both my drinking and for my mental health problems. I used to be avid skydiver and motocross rider but I have not ridden in along time due to being drunk 24/7 for the last 6 or 7 years. I always struggled to understand why i became a alcoholic and I now know that i was trying to block out the pain that i was feeling and I now understand that my alcoholism is directly caused by my feelings of depression and despair. final straw for my ex gf. I have been struggling without her as I am still very much in love with her and she still loves me a lot but she said she had to go because she didn't want to watch me die, and now she doesn't answer my calls or texts. I'm lost and I don't know what to do. I'm sorry for my spelling and grammar I found it very hard to write this and there are many things I have left out thanks for reading.beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

Mel86x Depression has come back....
  • replies: 8

Help me, I have had depression for 13yrs, have taken an antidepressant for about the last 7 and the Friday (a week ago) I had a bit of a stressful day work related but forgot to take my medication, the next day I felt a bit off and took my tablet aft... View more

Help me, I have had depression for 13yrs, have taken an antidepressant for about the last 7 and the Friday (a week ago) I had a bit of a stressful day work related but forgot to take my medication, the next day I felt a bit off and took my tablet after work but started to have an anxiety attack then from then on I have felt yuck on and off ever since, I can eat without throwing up but don't have much of an appetite. Sometimes I'd feel ok but then get this warm rush through my body and start feeling sick again. Mornings I start feeling weak in the muscles and stuff and my heart feels like it's racing. Went to the doctor on the Wednesday and told me to try to have 1 n 1/2 tablets but don't feel much different and had 2 tablets this morning I had woken up at 2am and when I started at 5 I didn't feel too good had a 5min rest and finished my shift. Been on and off, not too good at the moment had a bit of a nap. I hear people start having a tolerance to anti depressants and no longer start to work. I feel they don't have much effect at the moment. The doctor told me to go back if im not getting any better but because of Christmas coming I don't think I can do it at the moment.also wondering if vitamin b tablets would help and ok to take with anti depressants?

Loula Just not affecting me anymore
  • replies: 2

To day is the day I'm dreading. Today is the day I stuff up my husbands life. Last year he was offered a job at our church and was going to become a youth pastor. Instead today they will be announcing to the church that he will be stepping back for 6... View more

To day is the day I'm dreading. Today is the day I stuff up my husbands life. Last year he was offered a job at our church and was going to become a youth pastor. Instead today they will be announcing to the church that he will be stepping back for 6 months. Why you ask? Because I spoilt everything by being depressed. I went to therapy before I got married started taking medication that I had a positive reaction to for quiet a while and wanted to be the healthy supportive wife that could do anything. Now I'm the wife that stuffs up everything. I'm the one that has stopped his dreams. I'm the one that has made him go to therapy because he does not know how to deal with me. I'm the reason people are talking. I'm the failure in the marriage. I'm the one that keeps him up 24-7 because he so scared of what I might do! I'm the one with the issues but he's the one that has to suffer. And I feel so guilty about it. But I feel most guilty about is that I'm not going to sit beside him and support him at church today when the senior pastor announces this because I'm to ashamed and scared! I'm not a nice person and I think my darkest thoughts are really truebeyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

captain_nervous It's finally Happened
  • replies: 2

I'm new here and just wanted to tell my story. I was diagnosed with depression in my late teens. I had difficulty maintaining any treatment regime and pretty much led a messy existence using illicit drugs, taking a lot of risks and bouncing from one ... View more

I'm new here and just wanted to tell my story. I was diagnosed with depression in my late teens. I had difficulty maintaining any treatment regime and pretty much led a messy existence using illicit drugs, taking a lot of risks and bouncing from one disaster or job to another. In my mid twenties I met a girl and finally got help. The help was antidepressants which I feel have been holding me back from the brink for the past ten years, but for some reason I never had the strength to tackle my depression head on. I somehow managed to stay married and have a good job but all my energy went to hiding my illness from anyone but closest family, keeping my job and finding new excuses for sick leave and odd behaviour and not breaking down. My family were my only friends, I had no social life to speak of and I lived in constant fear and anxiety. All of that was before my daughter was born. She has significant disabilities. Shortly after she was born (three years ago) three of my family members died in an accident. Since that time my anxiety and depression have gone into overdrive. I have kept working though, and drinking (a lot) more, and eating more and I am in a black hole, worse than when I wasn't taking AD's. So it finally happened, I broke down at work. Had a total meltdown. I haven't been back for two weeks and I am having anxiety attacks every hour. I think I may have finally hit rock bottom and I don't see a way out. Doc has increased my meds and I am seeing a psych as regularly as I can afford...freaking out that it won't work.

Nene65 I'm over the black dog.
  • replies: 6

I'm 49 and have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. I have finally realised what my triggers are...my children who are 30,28,26 & 18. They all know about my depression but do nothing to help me. Instead they push my buttons, treat... View more

I'm 49 and have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. I have finally realised what my triggers are...my children who are 30,28,26 & 18. They all know about my depression but do nothing to help me. Instead they push my buttons, treat me badly and post nasty stuff on Facebook about me. I do not go on Facebook I hear this from other people. I've now come to conclusion that if I want to get better I have to cut ties with them to save myself. That's the hard part. Ant suggestions?

Redman827 I think I need help
  • replies: 6

Over the past few months I haven't been myself I find no enjoyment in anything I do anymore, I have been constantly angry at work and nearly every second day I find myself in the bathroom throwing up because of stress, lately I have having panic atta... View more

Over the past few months I haven't been myself I find no enjoyment in anything I do anymore, I have been constantly angry at work and nearly every second day I find myself in the bathroom throwing up because of stress, lately I have having panic attacks over tiny things and start crying for no reason im quite scared at the moment

Curls10 Telling my partner about my depression
  • replies: 5

I've never talked about my battles with depression over the years to many people. I might have mentioned it once or twice, but this ongoing battle has been my own to deal with. I've done well in the past to recover and stay positive. It takes a reocc... View more

I've never talked about my battles with depression over the years to many people. I might have mentioned it once or twice, but this ongoing battle has been my own to deal with. I've done well in the past to recover and stay positive. It takes a reoccurring negative experience to bring me down to this place. I'm 23 now and I've worked hard to maintain my positivity. For a year now, my partner and I have had difficulties to overcome certain issues that negatively impact our relationship. We've tried counselling to steer us in the right direction but it hasn't helped. Lately, it has been too much for me to handle anymore. I feel like I have reached my point and I can't take crying, fighting, making up or apologies anymore. My heart is sore. As much as we love each other, it's not enough. There have been times when we've argued that I want to just hurt myself again and I wish for things to end. I told him that I think of hurting myself and that our relationship needs to change now because it brings me so much pain that I don't want to deal with it anymore. I told him about my thoughts and it just made me feel ashamed and embarrassed of myself. Is it right for me to feel this way? I feel like if you tell your partner about something like this, it should help you feel like youre not alone? I just want him to help me, to support me, and to push me in the right direction like I had for him when he was at his lowest point. Sometimes your run out of steam when you try to be strong... And this is where I am now. I'm tired or trying to get to the place I want to be but not being able to reach it. I just want to know what to do. I'm so lost and I feel so alone in my own home. I just want someone to fight for me like I matter. beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.